The nature versus nurture debate extends to our relationship with the outdoors. Are we biologically wired to seek nature, or does the environment shape that desire? Natural spaces offer peace and clarity, yet not everyone is drawn to them.
The Nature versus Nurture Debate
Some find nature unfamiliar or unsettling, while others feel at home in it. Places like Gatlinburg, TN—where forests, rivers, and fresh mountain air abound—highlight how easily this connection can surface or be rediscovered.
Such locations may evoke a sense of something innate, a quiet pull toward natural balance. Others may develop a love for the outdoors through nurturing exposure. Either way, the question remains—are we remembering nature, or learning to love it?
A Peaceful Stay That Encourages a Connection to Nature
One of the most subtle yet profound ways people reconnect with the natural world is through retreats that offer seclusion without completely disconnecting from modern comforts. Staying in a lodge can serve as a gentle bridge between urban life and nature, allowing individuals to experience outdoor serenity while retaining a sense of security and familiarity.
The Greystone Lodge on the River exemplifies this harmonious blend. Nestled in the heart of downtown, yet offering a soothing escape, it provides guests with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a tranquil riverside environment.
With rooms featuring private balconies or patios—many of which overlook the flowing river—visitors often find themselves enveloped in a serene atmosphere. Adding to its charm is the close proximity to numerous attractions in Gatlinburg TN, giving guests the option to explore vibrant cultural sites just moments from their peaceful retreat. The sound of water, the occasional birdsong, and the cool mountain air encourage mindfulness and a sense of calm that urban environments often fail to provide.
Beyond ambiance, each room is designed for convenience and comfort. Flat TV, fridges, microwaves, and in-room Wi-Fi ensure guests enjoy their downtime as they please. Select accommodations even include indulgent features like soaking tubs and gas fireplaces, enhancing the restorative experience. These thoughtful details enable guests to enjoy nature at their own pace without compromising personal comfort.
Whether walking through scenic trails, enjoying riverside strolls, or simply sitting on a balcony surrounded by lush greenery, the environment fosters a relaxed appreciation for the outdoors that doesn’t require forced interaction. This organic exposure may be all that’s needed to spark or reawaken an inner connection to nature, especially in those unsure about their natural inclinations.
The Biological Pull: Hardwired for the Wild?
From an evolutionary perspective, humanity’s origins are steeped in nature. For millennia, survival depended on the ability to read the land, navigate forests, predict weather patterns, and forage for food. These instincts weren’t just beneficial—they were essential. As a result, many argue that our attraction to natural environments is deeply encoded within us.
Biophilia, a term popularized by biologist E.O. Wilson, refers to “the innate human tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life”. Supporters of this theory cite how natural scenes—such as flowing rivers, mountainscapes, or expansive green fields—often evoke calming and restorative feelings even in people who don’t spend much time outdoors. Physiological responses to nature, such as reduced blood pressure, lower cortisol levels, and improved mood, support the idea that humans have an intrinsic need for contact with the natural world.
The Environmental Shaping: Nurturing Nature Lovers
While the biological argument holds merit, the role of upbringing and environment cannot be overlooked. For many, appreciation for the outdoors is cultivated through repeated positive exposure. Childhood camping trips, gardening with parents, or growing up in regions where outdoor recreation is a cultural norm can significantly shape a person’s comfort level and enthusiasm for nature.
Urban upbringing, on the other hand, can have the opposite effect. Individuals raised in concrete-dominated environments may associate nature with inconvenience, discomfort, or even danger. Without early and repeated exposure to natural settings, the ability to find peace or joy in the outdoors might not develop naturally. In such cases, nurture becomes the determining factor.
Moreover, lifestyle choices and values modeled by caregivers influence whether a child grows up prioritizing nature. If parents frequently hike, cycle, or explore natural parks, children often adopt similar preferences. Conversely, if technology, indoor activities, or structured environments dominate, outdoor appreciation may never take root.
Blending Forces: When Instinct Meets Influence
Perhaps the most realistic answer lies not in choosing between nature and nurture, but in acknowledging their combined influence. Biology may set the stage for potential inclinations, but environment, experiences, and culture shape how those tendencies are expressed—or repressed.
A person may be born with a sensitivity to natural beauty but never cultivate it due to a lack of exposure. Likewise, someone without an obvious biological draw to the outdoors might fall in love with nature through meaningful experiences and community involvement. The synergy between innate potential and environmental influence determines whether that connection thrives, stagnates, or fades altogether.
Life stages also matter. A child indifferent to outdoor play may grow into an adult who values wilderness retreats. Likewise, someone who once cherished hiking may develop indoor preferences due to lifestyle or health changes. These evolutions underscore that our relationship with nature is dynamic and continually influenced by shifting internal and external factors.
Experiences that offer gentle reintroductions to the outdoors—like peaceful stays in scenic lodges—often serve as catalysts for change. Such moments allow the body to relax, the mind to wander, and the soul to reconnect. In these spaces, people aren’t forced to love nature; they’re simply given the opportunity to reconnect with it.
Ultimately, the connection to nature is a dance between biology and experience. Whether drawn to it by instinct or led to it by life, the outdoors remains a space where clarity, calm, and connection often flourish. The question isn’t whether humans are naturally meant to be outside, but whether they are given the chance to rediscover what was perhaps always there.
